Hello. I have a chance to buy a solid F100. The problem is that it seems the VIN plate is not correct. The truck looks like a 59, but the VIN plate and title points to a 57. The VIN plate is sheet metal screwed into the door jam. F10J7R24100. Is there any chance this is a 57? It has all the markings of a 59: Custom Cab emblems, quad headlights, chrome grill, FORD on the hood.

 

How interchangeable are the parts between trucks? Could someone have used parts from a 57 on a 59 or vice versa?

 

I don't know for sure. I just do not want to get stuck with someone eles problem.

 

Have you check the frame VIN? that would give you the answer if the VIN plate belongs to the truck

 

Mark's on the right track. Check on top of each frame rail between the front of the cab and the radiator. The VIN should be stamped on one or the other unless somebody chopped the frame for an IFS or something. It might be hard to see, but it's there. A wire brush, flashlight, and maybe a little motor oil may make it easier to find.

 

My guess is that it is a '57 that was wrecked at some point... owner replaced the front sheet metal with the later style stuff... FWIW, '57 had custom cab emblems too... look for paint scratches and note the color of the paint under what is there.

Sam.

 

THis is all very helpful everyone. I have some cash that is burning a hole inn my pocket and want to buy something, anything. If this VIN deal checks out, is this truck worth buying?

 

It's your call. If you want a 57 that looks like a 59 it may be the ticket. The 57 was a nice looking truck and if I hadn't come across my 50 Panel the 57 would have been the one I went after. Look at the usual points to see how they are holding up. Cab corners, lower sections on the fenders, floor panels. I would also find out history of what has been done to the engine, transmission, and differencial. It would be nice to see paper work to back it up. I bought a 86 F-150 two years ago that was supposed to have a rebuilt engine with a fresh valve job. Told my son that I could make it run a long time. Yah. A year later I had to pull the engine because of a rear main seal leak and found out the heads were cracked, the cam had two flat lobes and the timing gears and chains were shot. It burned a hole in my pocket I didn't plan on. Now I have a very dependable truck but I hadn't planed on the added exspence.
If you are after a 57 or whatever year you pick there are nice ones out there so my advice is to research it a little bit and go to the classifieds and find one you can enjoy. Know your abilities and go for it. Good Luck

Gear Up

 

see if there is a VIN plate on the inside of the glovebox door

 

The first red flag that I see is that you pointed out that the VIN was screwed not riveted.

 

I've seen many VIN plates that are screwed on to door jambs and glove box doors. It may not indicate tampering; it could have been removed for painting. Mine was.

 

If it has the factory round radio, look on the sides of it, it should have a date. Since its a custom cab if its a 59 it would have a horn ring and a white steering wheel, 57-58 used the black wheel no horn ring. What color are the guages? Does the truck have interior ***** that are black(57) or white (59)? -4speed